closed my eyes as his lips touched my skin, breathing in the sweet scent of his aftershave.
“Thanks,” I smiled back. He stood, still staring at me. Was he going to let me in? It was freezing outside, and I was actually starting to shake from the cold, “Um, Dane?”
“Yes?” He smiled, cocking his head to the side, a sexy grin spreading across his lips. What did he think I was about to ask him?
“Can I come in?”
“Oh, shit, of course!” He moved aside, ushering me in, “Sorry,” He made a face and I giggled. Well that was a first. I’d never rendered a man speechless, and unable to react. I sighed as the wonderful smell of garlic and chicken wafted into my senses.
“Smells lovely,” I smiled, “Garlic?” I added, giggling, wondering if that put an end to another make out session like last night. I hoped not.
To my amusement, he blushed.
“Yes, I guess I really didn’t think that one through,” He replied, only now realizing the potential for some serious garlic breath, “I chose chicken because I know you eat it.” He added.
Right, the other night. That had been a damn good chicken ballotine, too. I thought it was cute he went with something he knew I’d eat, like he really put some thought into what he wanted to cook me. He’d talked himself up pretty high last night though, so he had some big expectations to meet.
“No, garlic’s great. I love garlic. I’d brush my teeth with it if it were socially acceptable,” I was babbling, and I couldn’t stop. At least he seemed to be as nervous as I did.
“Really?” He replied. Oh god. That sparkle in his eyes was driving me insane. And his lips, they looked so soft, so kissable. He was so damn sexy.
“Moving on,” I winced, stepping out of my heels. The relief was instant.
That was better. I wiggled my foot, the aching beginning to subside.
“Come and sit down. How is it?” He asked, concerned, leading me to the sofa in the living room, which overlooked the kitchen in a very open style. It was nice, modern and clean, much cleaner than I’d been expecting. Was it always this tidy, or had he made an extra effort for me? Either way, I was happy.
“It’s better than it was. The heels might have been a bit much, though,” I said, smiling. Dane laughed, sitting next to me on the sofa. I jumped in surprise as he reached down and yanked my leg onto his lap, his quick movement sending the edges of my dress upward. I tugged them down, pretending I hadn’t just exposed myself as he pretended not to notice.
“Thought this might help,” He murmured, gently rubbing my foot in such a way that had me close to groaning in pleasure. His hands were magic, with just the right amount of pressure to ease the pain and discomfort my heels hand caused. I groaned, biting my lip, unable to stop the smile from spreading across my lips, as I imagined how well his hands would work on other parts of my body. I opened my eyes to find Dane staring at me.
“What?” I asked, embarrassed of the effect his massage had had on me.
“Nothing,” He murmured, a ghost of a smile on his lips. He continued to stare at me as he massaged all the stress out of my foot, “You seem to be enjoying this, that’s all.”
“I am,” I replied honestly, “You have magical fingers,” My hand shot to my mouth as soon as I said it. He chuckled as I flushed with embarrassment.
“You know what I mean,” I said, covering my face with my hands. He laughed again, gently setting my foot on the floor.
“I better finish dinner. Can I get you a drink?” He asked. I nodded. He carried over a can of coke and set it in front of me, along with a glass full of ice.
“So, nice place,” I commented, popping the top on the can and filling the glass. Nice place? Maybe I should’ve practiced the small talk some more in front of the mirror. Don’t you dare start going on about the weather, Lily.
“It is. Really nice. Almost too big for one person though,” He glanced around.
Mary Crockett, Madelyn Rosenberg